TRIBUTE

A Tribute to Helen McCrory

Peaky Blinders will not be the same without you.

Helen was just 52 when she passed away, quietly and bravely she battled against cancer. McCrory had two young children, ages thirteen and fourteen, with her actor husband Damian Lewis.

She had many names. You may have known her best as Narcissa Malfoy, or perhaps Polly Gray, maybe even Cherie Blair.

Whatever role you knew her best for, I have no doubt it was synonymous with fantastic acting. A level of which is rare to find. We are all truly blessed to have been alive when she walked our screens.

She set the screen and stage ablaze with her undeniable talent. Immersed herself into characters. Every scene was carefully depicted, every line delivered with perfection. Each mannerism fluid and well considered. No one could walk away from her with any sense of disappointment. She always left you wanting more. A stellar artist through and through.

If like me, you’re feeling entirely devastated that she’s gone. Remember this, she is never truly gone. Like a wise person once said “we die twice, once when we leave this world and once when the last person says our name”, Helen will remain alive as long as we all continue to share in her phenomenal work.

A list of some of her work

• Harry Potter (Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows Part one and two)

She played Narcissa Malfoy, mother to Draco spectacularly.

• Peaky Blinders

The great matriarch that is Aunt Polly. In all seasons (so far).

• The Special Relationship

Helen is Cherie Blair, wife to prime minister Tony Blair.

• The Woman in Black — Angel of Death

In this thriller she is Jean Hogg.

• James Bond — Skyfall

In this epic she is the poised MP Clair Dowar. She sits on the board of officials to grill Dame Judi Dench on the 00 section of British intelligence gathering.

• Loving Vincent

Her character is Louise Chevalier.

• The Queen

She stars as Cherie Blair (again), alongside another great Helen, Dame Helen Mirren.

• Bill

This one is for the little ones, but even I can’t help but watch. She plays Queen Elizabeth (the first).

• Doctor Who — Vampires of Venice

She was the head teacher of a girl’s school in Venice, Rosannna Calvieri.

• His Dark Materials

She voiced Stelmaria, the snow leopard daemon of Lord Asriel.

These are but a few of many.

Incredible on stage

Helen’s stage performances were extraordinary. Appearing in countless stage shows, including Macbeth, Medea, As you like it, and Old Times.

She received this review from the Evening Standard “It’s McCrory’s performance that makes the production satisfyingly muscular. She captures Medea’s animal savagery and the agony of being transfixed by her own grim destiny.”

Dedicated to helping others

McCrory had an active role within charities, working as an ambassador to the Prince’s Trust, an organisation which helps young people.

During the pandemic, she helped to raise over one million pounds for the NHS. She created a charity called FeedNHS. It partnered with restaurants to give NHS staff food.

Helen also supported Marie Curie, a charity which supports those who are terminally ill.

She continued her charitable work to the end, appearing on Good Morning Britain to promote the Prince’s Trust and the work they are doing for young people in response to the pandemic. This appearance was just weeks before she died. Continuing to help others, despite being sick herself. It stands as testament to her incredible character.

R.I.P. Helen — by order of the Peaky Blinders.

April 2021

Delilah Brass